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Guaiacol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H8O2
CAS number
90-05-1
IUPAC name
2-methoxyphenol
State
State

Guaiacol is typically a liquid at room temperature, although it can also exist in crystalline form if adequately cooled.

Melting point (Celsius)
28.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
301.20
Boiling point (Celsius)
205.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
478.60
General information
Molecular weight
124.14g/mol
Molar mass
124.1390g/mol
Density
1.1292g/cm3
Appearence

Guaiacol is a colorless to amber colored liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. When exposed to air, it may darken. It is slightly oily in appearance and can crystallize upon cooling.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-Methoxyphenol

2-Methoxyphenol, with the chemical formula C7H8O2, is known for its unique solubility characteristics that play a significant role in various applications. This compound exhibits a moderate level of solubility in different solvents, primarily attributable to its molecular structure. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: 2-Methoxyphenol has limited solubility in water, generally classified as slightly soluble. The presence of a methoxy group (-OCH3) contributes to this behavior, as it can engage in hydrogen bonding; however, the overall hydrophobic nature of the aromatic ring impedes extensive solvation.
  • Organic Solvents: In contrast, 2-methoxyphenol shows good solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and acetone. This is primarily due to similar nonpolar characteristics between the compound and these solvents, allowing for favorable interactions.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility of 2-methoxyphenol can also be influenced by temperature. As with many organic compounds, an increase in temperature typically enhances solubility in organic solvents.
  • Applications: The solubility profile of 2-methoxyphenol is crucial in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, as it influences formulation strategies for effective delivery mechanisms.

In summary, while 2-methoxyphenol is slightly soluble in water, it showcases strong compatibility with organic solvents, making it a versatile compound in chemical applications. Understanding these solubility traits is essential for optimizing its use in different formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About 2-Methoxyphenol

2-Methoxyphenol, also known as guaiacol, is a fascinating compound with a rich *history* and multiple applications. Here are some insightful facts about this aromatic compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: 2-Methoxyphenol is found naturally in wood smoke and is responsible for the distinct aroma associated with burning wood. It can also be derived from the distillation of beechwood tar.
  • Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, guaiacol has been employed for its **expectorant** properties in cough syrups, helping to relieve respiratory conditions by loosening mucus.
  • Flavoring Agent: The compound is known for its unique taste and has been used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. Its *smoky* flavor profile makes it particularly popular in certain culinary applications.
  • Analytical Chemistry: 2-Methoxyphenol is significant in analytical chemistry, where it can be used as a *reagent* to test for the presence of specific compounds due to its reactivity.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound is utilized in the synthesis of **pharmaceuticals** and various chemical compounds. It serves as a precursor for the production of other valuable substances.
  • Historical Context: Guaiacol was first isolated from natural resins in the early 19th century, and its use has evolved significantly since then.

Quote: "The beauty of 2-methoxyphenol lies in its dual nature—both as a natural flavor enhancer and a vital ingredient in medicinal formulations." This unique versatility is what makes 2-methoxyphenol a compelling subject for study in both academic and industrial settings.

Synonyms
guaiacol
2-Methoxyphenol
90-05-1
o-Methoxyphenol
2-Hydroxyanisole
Guaiastil
Pyroguaiac acid
o-Guaiacol
o-Hydroxyanisole
Phenol, 2-methoxy-
Pyrocatechol monomethyl ether
1-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene
Anastil
Guaicol
Phenol, o-methoxy-
Methylcatechol
Guaicolina
Guajol
Guasol
O-Methyl catechol
Catechol monomethyl ether
Creodon
Guajakol
2-Methoxy-Phenol
Methoxyphenol
Guajacol
Wood creosote
FEMA No. 2532
Guaiacol (natural)
Pyrocatechol methyl ester
(mu)-methoxyphenol
Guaiacol [JAN]
NSC 3815
Methylcatachol
CCRIS 2943
9009-62-5
HSDB 4241
2-methoxyl-4-vinylphenol
UNII-6JKA7MAH9C
o--methoxyphenol
6JKA7MAH9C
2-methoxy phenol
NSC-3815
EINECS 201-964-7
MFCD00002185
Guaiacol (JAN)
Creodon (TN)
CHEBI:28591
AI3-05615
Catechol mono methyl ether
2-methoxyphenol (guaiacol)
2-Methoxy-d3-phenol--d4
CHEMBL13766
DTXSID0023113
EC 201-964-7
Phenol, methoxy-
NCGC00090827-02
NCGC00090827-04
GUAIACOL (MART.)
GUAIACOL [MART.]
GUAIACOL (USP-RS)
GUAIACOL [USP-RS]
Guajakol [Czech]
DTXCID003113
GUAIACOL (EP MONOGRAPH)
GUAIACOL (USP IMPURITY)
GUAIACOL [EP MONOGRAPH]
GUAIACOL [USP IMPURITY]
ortho-Guaiacol
Catechol, Methyl
CAS-90-05-1
2-Hydroxy-Anisole
GUAIFENESIN IMPURITY A (EP IMPURITY)
GUAIFENESIN IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY]
Guaiacol [JAN:NF]
SR-01000838056
Guaiacol (2-Methoxyphenol)
guiacol
Creasote
methoxy phenol
6-methoxyphenol
hydroxyl anisole
o-Guiacol
orthomethoxyphenol
o-methoxy-Phenol
ortho-methoxyphenol
Guaiacol,(S)
JZ3
Guaiacol (Standard)
2-(methyloxy)phenol
O-HYDROXYANIOSOLE
GUAIACOL [FHFI]
GUAIACOL [HSDB]
GUAIACOL [MI]
GUAIACOL [VANDF]
O-METHOXY CATECHOL
DSSTox_CID_3113
bmse000436
bmse010027
GUAIACOL [WHO-DD]
Guaiacol, puriss., 99%
WLN: QR BO1
DSSTox_RID_77552
3-methoxy-4-hydroxy benzene
DSSTox_GSID_24853
SCHEMBL21626
ghl.PD_Mitscher_leg0.900
guaiacol (liquid) extra pure
Guaiacol, oxidation indicator
FEMA No 2532
MLS001055375
HY-N1380R
NSC3815
Guaiacol, natural, >=99%, FG
HMS2089D18
HMS2233P04
HMS3372N11
HMS3715E11
Pharmakon1600-01506165
BCP27082
CS-D1347
HY-N1380
STR03604
Tox21_111031
Tox21_201136
Tox21_202990
Tox21_400004
BDBM50240369
NSC760376
s3872
STL281868
AKOS000118831
CCG-214035
DB11359
FM25315
NSC-760376
PB43791
PS-3252
Guaiacol, SAJ first grade, >=98.0%
NCGC00090827-01
NCGC00090827-03
NCGC00090827-05
NCGC00090827-06
NCGC00090827-07
NCGC00258688-01
NCGC00260535-01
AC-34997
Guaiacol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
SMR000059155
SY048708
CAS-8021-39-4
DB-024854
M0121
NS00010812
EN300-19498
C01502
D00117
F70227
2-Methoxyphenol;o-Methoxyphenol;2-Hydroxyanisole
AB00876226-06
AB00876226_07
A843426
Q412403
SR-01000838056-2
SR-01000838056-3
BRD-K96282009-001-08-8
F2173-0425
Guaiacol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Z104474028
Guaiacol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
InChI=1/C7H8O2/c1-9-7-5-3-2-4-6(7)8/h2-5,8H,1H
Guaiacol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
o-Methoxy-phenol;1-Hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene;2-Hydroxyanisole;Guaiacol
201-964-7